Welcome, my friends!

Truth time: Do you ever . . .

 

Whether through fiction—via wacky but poignant character journeys, or through non-fiction—via Bible study, devotion, blog, or teaching, I pray my writing encourages you in these very areas and equips you to search for God’s truth as you Face Facts in a World of Fiction.

Why I Write . . .
4/24/2023 1:40:00 AM BY Barbara E. Haley

It’s almost three in the morning, but I just couldn’t stop listening to a course I’m taking on writing and marketing. 

Several times, the questions asked on today’s lesson touched my heart and brought me to gentle tears as I considered the incredible opportunity God has given me to bless others through my writing ministry.

  • Who am I?
  • What theme runs consistently through my life?
  • How can I use this information to determine the needs of my readers?
  • For whom do I write and how can I serve them better?
  • What do I want most for my readers?
  • How can I make each of my readers feel special and appreciated?

As I contemplated these questions, a verse came to mind. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, NIV). 

This is the theme of my life and writing. I want to take what God has done in my life—especially in tough times—and tell you, my readers, so you might know and grasp the depths of God’s love, His healing touch, and the joy and peace found only in Him. I want you to know that as you examine your hearts, acknowledge and actively denounce the lies that have held you captive for too long (those dark, painful feelings repressed deep in your soul), and embrace the life-giving truths found in God’s Word, Christ will set you free to enjoy the abundant life He promises you!

Sometimes you’ll see this theme walked out in the lives of characters in my fiction books. Not in a preachy way, but through hilarious, heart-warming stories. Or maybe I’ll speak to you through my blog or book of devotions. Whatever the format, I want you to know how very important you are to me. If there’s ever an issue you’d like for me to address, please let me know, and I’ll get on it right away. 

Blessings, my friends. Have a wonderful day!  Barbie

 

 

A New Morning Awaits!
3/5/2023 11:55:00 PM BY Barbara E. Haley

Do you have a situation in your life that weighs heavy on your heart? Are you dealing with it honestly or allowing it to control you? 

In the passage ahead, Biz learns how facing and acknowledging the truth about a situation changes everything. 

Please don’t face your situation alone. It’s been said that being alone in your own mind for too long is a dangerous place to be. Oh, that’s so true.

Allow someone who loves you, someone you trust, to walk through this experience with you. Get real and share your deepest needs and concerns. Pray together and ask God for insight and healing. He’s there … and He cares!

***

The storm the night before left a chill in the air. I turned on the oven Thursday morning, fixed a cup of coffee, and stirred up a box of Jiffy blueberry muffins. As they baked, I considered how differently a chill can affect us. Or maybe each chill itself was distinct.

Just days earlier, when Robert prepared the big breakfast, a covert and unsettling chill of isolation and fear settled in my spirit. Overwhelming feelings controlled me, and I had no idea how to fight back. I couldn’t separate my feelings for Danny and for Robert.

Today was different . . . I think, because of the cleansing storm the night before. The tempest of the heart that demanded that my husband and I talk openly. As I shared the depth of my longing to hold Danny Cooke in my arms again, the yearning weakened.  

Robert held me and allowed me to cry as I countered the misconstrued memories that insisted my relationship with Danny was more than it really was. 

We talked at length about my childhood experiences, and I realized that my love for Danny had nothing to do with the romantic feelings between a man and a woman. Rather, Danny loved me unconditionally as a friend, and I loved him deeply as a protective big brother. 

I loved his love.

I’d always known that, but recent circumstances clouded the truth. Puffed it up. 

Disorder in my spirit demanded that I examine my feelings and acknowledge the truth. Repeat the truth to myself over and over again until it sunk into my soul and spoke more loudly than the lies.

Today’s chill held no darkness. Rather, the exhilarating air stoked my spirit to begin again. Afresh. A brand new day.

The kitchen now warm and toasty, I buttered a couple of muffins, sat at the table with my coffee, and opened my Bible. I needed to read the verses I loved again.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3: 22-23).

I shut my eyes and let God’s faithful love sink in. No better way to start the morning!

***

This passage is from book 3- my work in progress. To read the first chapter of book one of “The Second Wind” series, click here:

/Resources/5-99.pdf